City of London to Host Inaugural 'Women's Safer Cycling Day'

The City of London Corporation is to host its first ‘Women’s Safer Cycling Day’ today (1100-1600, 25 September) at the Guildhall Yard in the heart of the Square Mile.

The day’s activities, held in conjunction with the City of London Police, will have two primary aims. The first is to engage with female city cyclists and promote safer cycling as the capital has a disproportionate number of female cyclist casualties.

From January 2010 to December 2014, female cyclists accounted for 30 serious injuries in the Square Mile while there were two fatalities. During the same period there were 75 male cyclists who were serious injured with two fatalities. This is despite last year’s National Travel Survey statistics showing that men made three times as many cycling trips as women.

The second purpose is to promote cycling as a way to improve the general health and wellbeing of those who take up cycling.

During the course of the day, there will be a number of attractions on display in the Guildhall Yard, including, among others:

‘Exchanging Places’ where cyclists sit in the cab of a LGV (large goods vehicle) to see for themselves the blind spots that drivers have. This is supported by construction firms McGee, O’Donovan and Speedy.

Dr. Bike cycle maintenance and security marking.

A ‘mega bike’ where groups face the centre and pedal with a trained member of staff at the wheel.

Cycle taster sessions set up by City of London Police Cycle Officers.

Marianne Fredericks, Streets and Walkways Committee Chairman, said:

“Far too often we have heard about the serious incidents and dreadfully sad deaths of women cyclists across the capital over the past few years. Events like today won’t solve the problem overnight but does serve a dual purpose. It will not only help raise awareness of how cycling can be a great form of transport, which is free and environmentally-friendly, but also highlight that unfortunately it is not risk-free.

“Anything we can do to help address the high proportion of women involved in cycling accidents is a step in the right direction. I’d urge everyone to come along to the events we have on display.”

Police Sergeant Maxine Worsford, City of London Police, said:

“We are grateful for the opportunity to take part in the first Women’s Safer Cycling Day. It is an ideal event for us to hold ‘Exchanging Places’ where road users get the opportunity to sit in a large goods vehicle and see the roads through the drivers point of view.

“So far this year, we have held five of these and have had over 380 pedal cyclists experience it with great feedback. Our officers will also be available during the event to discuss any concerns around road safety.”

The City of London Corporation and City of London Police are committed to improving the safety of cycling in the Square Mile and want at least 10 per cent of people who come to the City to travel here by bike. To date we have:

Introduced over 70 two-way cycling streets to make it safer and easier for people to cycle.

Introduced a 20 mph speed limit aimed at reducing the dangers on the City's streets.

Will be consulting on the introduction of Quietways in the City, which less confident cyclists wanting to use low-traffic routes can use. Works are scheduled to begin before Christmas 2015.

Made changes to make it easier and more comfortable to cycle through the City at Aldgate.

Considered changes to Bank Junction which could include pedestrianisation or a fundamental reshaping, with an update on this at the turn of the year. There is an increased City of London Police presence during rush hour, particularly the morning period when cyclists account for 50 per cent of the traffic at the junction.

Redeveloped Holborn Circus where in the eight months prior to the workers there were ten casualties and in the eight months after this dropped to four – a 60 per cent reduction.

Co-operated with the Mayor’s Cycle East-West Superhighway.

Issued 502 fines to cyclists as part of Operation Atrium in the last six months. The enforcement campaign aims to tackle cyclists who endanger other road users, pedestrians and their own safety by cycling on pavements and jumping red lights.

In the same time period has rescinded a further 308 fines to cyclists who attended an Exchanging Places exhibit.

Notes to Editors

The City of London Corporation has also fitted side guards, to help protect cyclists from being dragged under the wheels in the event of a collision, and additional mirrors to our fleet of vehicles over 3.5 ton.

About the City of London Corporation

The City of London Corporation provides local government and policing services for the financial and commercial heart of Britain, the 'Square Mile'. In addition, the City Corporation has three roles:

We support London’s communities by working in partnership with neighbouring boroughs on economic regeneration, education and skills projects. In addition, the City of London Corporation’s charity City Bridge Trust makes grants of more than £15 million annually to charitable projects across London and we also support education with three independent schools, three City Academies, a primary school and the world-renowned Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

We also help look after key London’s heritage and green spaces including Tower Bridge, Museum of London, Barbican Arts Centre, City gardens, Hampstead Heath, Epping Forest, Burnham Beeches, and important ‘commons’ in south London.

We also support and promote the ‘City’ as a world-leading financial and business hub, with outward and inward business delegations, high-profile civic events, research-driven policies all reflecting a long-term approach.